Hey there!
In this post, I’ll talk about how embracing vulnerability can help you have a more authentic business and connect more naturally with your clients!
Let’s have a look at the definition. It is defined as:
“the quality or state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.”
To show our vulnerability is first to accept our fragility as human beings and then to show it. It means recognizing that we aren’t perfect and facing difficult situations is part of being human. Also, remember that it’s completely normal not having all the answers and that we can ask for help when needed! When we acknowledge this, we’re embracing our strengths and weaknesses. Thus, showing vulnerability means being honest and showing our true selves to others!
Vulnerability is often associated with weakness and has acquired a negative connotation, but people are unaware it can be their biggest strength!
Why are we afraid to show our vulnerability?
By showing this fragile part of ourselves, there will always be the possibility of being rejected and criticized. And, of course, if we show who we are and receive a negative response, it will hurt. This feeling is entirely normal. Human beings, by evolution, tend to seek acceptance and a sense of belonging. Moreover, naturally, if we seek approval, we will want to avoid rejection, so the solution seems like we must always show ourselves strong and confident to be accepted.
However, there’s an important question: Showing vulnerability doesn’t always lead to rejection; some people will criticize you, but there will be people who will recognize your value and feel connected to you at a deeper level because it feels genuine and honest- and that’s worth a lot!
Starting from the Inside: embracing your vulnerability
The first thing is to recognize and accept that, besides having strengths, we also have weaknesses. Likewise, understand that there’s nothing wrong with having them. This condition is part of being imperfect human beings, so we all have them!
It’s not about turning weakness into strength but recognizing that there’s nothing wrong with having defects. When we acknowledge and accept our fragility, we turn our weaknesses into an accepted part of who we are, so vulnerability no longer appears as something negative but becomes our new strength!
So, how does embracing my vulnerability make my business more authentic?
By accepting that there’s nothing wrong with having weaknesses, we can stop investing energy in hiding them or trying to be someone we are not. We can show ourselves as we truly are, transmitting our uniqueness through our business and to our customers! (hello, authenticity!)
Furthermore, we can enjoy our business more!
1. Showing your vulnerability helps build trust with clients
Embracing vulnerability is showing that we aren’t perfect, regardless of the risk of being judged or rejected for showing ourselves that way! This approach is the opposite of being arrogant, and this will help us make stronger connections with our clients. Being transparent and honest can help us connect with people who value who we are and our services/ business!
Furthermore, we generate closeness with our clients, allowing them to feel identified with us. From understanding and equality, we open a space to relate to each other more humanly. If we authentically approach our clients, we provide them with a safe space so that they can also be honest and authentic with us. That way, we can create a genuine relationship; without masks and appearances, building solid trust and a pleasant environment to work in!
2. Accepting vulnerability makes you more creative and productive
Embracing who we are, takes us away from the “perfectionism virus,” as I call it. So we can stop wasting our time and energy on being this perfect individual (thinking this will get us more clients). On the contrary, allowing ourselves to be honest and vulnerable will make more authentic connections and enjoy more!
Perfectionism is paralyzing. Trying to be perfect blocks our creativity and prevent us from being productive! Embracing our vulnerability allows us to remove the “I have to be perfect” idea, and this will give room for more creative flow. More so, when we are not going for perfection, we can feel more empowered and motivated to do what it takes to run a business confidently.
3. Create a safe space for team members to share their vulnerabilities and encourage growth
We can be more authentic and welcome growth by accepting and sharing our vulnerability. We encourage our team members to do the same when we do that. Making mistakes, having weaknesses, and not being perfect are all parts of being human, and accepting them makes room for continuous growth! Having an utterly ideal team that doesn’t make mistakes does not exist. Still, being willing to consistently assess themselves, improve their skills, and work as a team leveraging each individual’s strengths makes it a better, more productive, and happier team. Authentic team = Authentic business).
4. By being authentic, we can enjoy our business even more!
There’s nothing more pleasant than being ourselves in our own business and working with people who accept us as we are. Likewise, it is worth working with people that recognize our talent, value our authenticity, identify with our way of working, and find in our business a safe space! – This is the power of accepting our vulnerability!
I encourage you to embrace your vulnerability and start living as your more authentic self! It will not only have a significant impact on how you live and run your business but will also strengthen your relationships with your team and clients!
If you want to better understand the power of vulnerability, I suggest you watch this 20 min TedTalk about “The power of Vulnerability” by Brene Brown.
